Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
The issue of experiencing anxiety and discomfort for an entire year? Hello, doctor. After many years of using Google for medical inquiries, this is my first time asking a question on this platform. I am HIV positive and have been on medication for five years, with my viral load c...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. If your HIV is well-controlled with medication (which should be the case, as your viral load remains undetectable), having a CD4 count of 500-700 means your immune system is not significantly worse than that of the general population. It is reasonable to seek medical ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
Assessing COVID-19 Risks in Shared Spaces: Elevator Safety Concerns
Inquiries about epidemic prevention? Hello, today it seems that there are individuals returning from abroad who need to be quarantined in the building. I did not encounter them, but an elder in my family wanted to collect laundry and pressed the elevator button. When the door ope...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if the areas that were passed through have been disinfected and left to sit for an hour, the risk of infection should be relatively low. Currently, if patients are confirmed, they should be receiving treatment in the hospital. The situation you d...[Read More] Assessing COVID-19 Risks in Shared Spaces: Elevator Safety Concerns
Concerns About COVID-19 After Mask Mishap: What You Should Know
COVID-19 pandemic Hello, I just finished my college entrance exam and was taken by my family to a department store for a meal. I accidentally touched the inside of my mask against my jacket after removing it. Later, I put the mask back on because I didn't have another one av...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described is unlikely to lead to a COVID-19 infection, and symptoms would not typically develop within an hour. Therefore, there is no need to worry at this moment. You can seek medical attention only if you experience symptoms later. Thank you for your q...[Read More] Concerns About COVID-19 After Mask Mishap: What You Should Know
Skin Peeling Concerns: Is It Safe to Wash Hands Normally?
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello Doctor, I consulted you yesterday about the disinfectant issue. The dermatologist said that the skin on my hand will heal gradually, but I forgot to ask this morning if the peeling is considered a minor wound. The d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Try to use milder, non-irritating soaps to reduce skin irritation. 2. Peeling skin does not lead to infections and does not cause COVID-19 infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Skin Peeling Concerns: Is It Safe to Wash Hands Normally?
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult regarding toe issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I stayed up late working on a report and only fell asleep around dawn, waking up after 10 AM. Later, I went out to buy something to eat, and when I returned home, I noticed that my right little toe was painful when I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the condition of your foot, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be folliculitis accompanied by cellulitis, which is usually caused by follicular obstruction. It is recommended to maintain cleanliness, and it should gradually improve over time. If...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Mucous mixed with blood in stool? Hello Dr. Hong, I am currently abroad and it's not very suitable to go out due to COVID-19. I would like to ask about a concern I've been having. For the past few months, after having a bowel movement, I have noticed a mixture of clear ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description of the mucus, I'm not sure if you've recently consumed foods that are higher in mucus content. If there are no other symptoms, it usually isn't a cause for concern. Regarding the blood streaks, I'm curious if you observed this ...[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Effective School Health Measures: Navigating Safety During Classes
How to implement disease prevention measures in schools? Hello Doctor, I am a sophomore student. In order to graduate early, I have already taken courses from the junior and senior years. However, since the pandemic, the school's attitude has been quite lax, merely going thr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, foreign students entering Taiwan will undergo a home quarantine process. If the foreign classmates you mentioned have already completed this process and are asymptomatic, your learning environment should be relatively safe. Additionally, if you are also wearing a mask, the...[Read More] Effective School Health Measures: Navigating Safety During Classes
Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Public Spaces
The transmissibility of COVID-19? Hello, since March of this year, I have been trying to stay indoors as much as possible. Today, I had to take the MRT to handle some matters. While I was on the escalator, a foreign Black woman walked past me. As she got closer, I noticed she see...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if both parties are wearing masks, the chance of infection is very low. Currently, some community infections in Taiwan are just sporadic cases, so there is no need to be overly concerned. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Public Spaces
Am I at Risk? Expert Advice on COVID-19 Exposure Concerns
Is this very dangerous? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that foreigners are very afraid of contracting COVID-19. Today, while I was on the MRT, I wasn't paying attention and suddenly someone sat down next to me. It turned out to be a blonde foreign woman. I was ab...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, both parties were wearing masks, so the risk of infection should be very low. There is no need for special testing at this time unless symptoms of a cold develop later. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Am I at Risk? Expert Advice on COVID-19 Exposure Concerns
Chronic Phlegm and Chest X-Ray Concerns: What You Need to Know
Chronic sputum production and chest X-ray abnormalities? Hello, Doctor. For the past few months, I seem to have been experiencing a persistent phlegm condition. If I refer to my earliest medical visit, it was in September of this year. There were times when I didn't feel muc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your initial X-ray, we did not observe any significant issues. Your symptoms are primarily upper respiratory symptoms, which could be due to a common cold, COVID-19 infection, influenza, or allergic bronchitis. These conditions can be difficult to differentiate ba...[Read More] Chronic Phlegm and Chest X-Ray Concerns: What You Need to Know
Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Tips for Staying Safe in Crowded Places
COVID-19 Hello doctor, I've been noticing an increasing number of infections from Indonesia appearing in Taiwan. Today, when I went to my aunt's house, I felt there were a lot of people when I transferred from the high-speed rail to the MRT. I encountered a foreign girl...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to government regulations, all incoming travelers must complete their quarantine period before being allowed to go out; otherwise, they will face penalties. Foreign migrant workers are also required to undergo testing before the end of their quarantine. With thes...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Tips for Staying Safe in Crowded Places
Could Your Cold Symptoms Indicate a COVID-19 Infection Abroad?
If you are experiencing cold symptoms while abroad, how likely is it that they could be related to COVID-19? Hello doctor, I am currently abroad and feeling quite worried due to cold symptoms. I am unsure if there is a possibility of having COVID-19. Initially, I had a sensation ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed a respiratory infection. However, it is not possible to distinguish whether it is COVID-19 solely based on symptoms; confirmation of the diagnosis requires testing. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Could Your Cold Symptoms Indicate a COVID-19 Infection Abroad?
Concerns About COVID-19 Transmission from Packages: What You Need to Know
Infection transmission through packages? Hello doctor, I would like to ask you a question. My brother ordered a laptop stand online from PChome yesterday, and he was very happy to receive it today. However, I am a bit worried because I saw news reports about the presence of the c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the risk of infection should be very low. Additionally, since you received a tetanus vaccine within the last five years, your antibodies should still be effective, so there is no need to worry too much. As for the wound, I recommend disinfecting ...[Read More] Concerns About COVID-19 Transmission from Packages: What You Need to Know
Is Wearing a Mask Enough for Safety? Addressing COVID-19 Concerns
Wuhan pneumonia Hello, today I went to the shopping mall with my family and encountered two Japanese individuals who were not wearing masks while talking. I would like to ask the doctor if wearing a mask myself makes me relatively safe in this situation. Additionally, sometimes w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. In relatively outdoor spaces, and since you are wearing a mask, it is indeed relatively safe. 2. Wearing a mask can lead to lower blood oxygen levels due to reduced ventilation, which is a physiological phenomenon that everyone may experience. However, the comfort le...[Read More] Is Wearing a Mask Enough for Safety? Addressing COVID-19 Concerns
Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
The issue of the common cold? Hello, Doctor Hong. I would like to ask what symptoms are generally associated with pneumonia. Yesterday, I felt phlegm in my throat, and although my nose isn't completely congested, I sometimes feel like I have to breathe harder. Deep breathing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed an upper respiratory tract infection. However, it is difficult to distinguish whether it is a common cold or COVID-19 based solely on symptoms, so clinical testing is necessary for confirmation. Currently, there is no widespread c...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Shared Spaces
Transmission potential of COVID-19? Hello, doctor. I am a university student, and since the pandemic, I have become very anxious about the possibility of getting infected. I always wear a mask at school, but some international students do not wear masks. For example, today at lun...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you were in an open space and had approximately 3 minutes of contact with an international student. However, since you were wearing a mask the entire time, the risk of infection should be very low. You can further enhance your safet...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Shared Spaces
Understanding Common Cold Duration and Risks for Family Health
The issue of the common cold? Hello, Doctor Hong. I visited an ENT specialist yesterday, and the doctor said it was just a cold. However, I would like to ask how long it typically takes for a common cold to resolve with medication. I usually prefer to let it run its course natura...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be a mild cold, which is usually caused by common viral infections. Currently, in Taiwan, most cases are still imported from abroad. If your work does not frequently involve contact with foreigners, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is ...[Read More] Understanding Common Cold Duration and Risks for Family Health
Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Infectious potential Good evening, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. A while ago, an old friend of mine called me. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Japan around May. He wasn't hospitalized and experienced difficulty breathing and a persistent fever, which eve...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. You cannot get infected while talking on the phone, so please rest assured. 2. COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact transmission; however, since the virus is invisible to the naked eye, people often get infected without knowing th...[Read More] Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Minor Cut Abroad?
Accidentally cut oneself? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad and accidentally scratched myself with the metal part of an electrical outlet. Although there is no bleeding, it appears to have broken the skin. Two years ago in Taiwan, I received a tetanus shot after getting cut b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have received a tetanus shot within the last 5 years, there is no need for a repeat vaccination. Therefore, you likely do not need to get vaccinated again. As for the wound, you should mainly observe for any local redness, swelling, heat, or pain, as well as any sig...[Read More] Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Minor Cut Abroad?
Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns
Side effects and issues related to taking medication for the common cold? Hello Dr. Hong: I woke up yesterday with pain on one side of my tonsil or throat, along with nasal congestion and phlegm. I visited an ENT specialist who examined my tongue to check for any lesions. During ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, legitimate clinics have established disinfection procedures for their equipment, and there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through medical devices, so there should be no concern regarding COVID-19 infection. 2. Based solely on your descrip...[Read More] Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns